The Confluence

PITTSBURGH—The city Planning Commission heard many public comments Tuesday before voting to move ahead with demolition of the Civic Arena, the former home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Sports and Exhibition Authority had already voted unanimously in September to tear down the old arena, but the planning commission’s approval was also required for any demolitions and redevelopment within Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle. Some preservationists had fought to save the silver-domed staple along Centre Avenue and find another use for the old arena, which has hosted hundreds of concerts, basketball games and special events over the past 50 years.